River Tour Policies

Participant Waiver Policy

All participants must completely fill out and sign a waiver individually for each tour in which they participate. The waiver must be submitted to Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper staff at the beginning of each event. Waivers can be printed out prior to the event using the link below or waivers will be on site for each participant.

Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants are responsible for wearing appropriate clothing for the weather conditions, proper foot attire, bringing water, food, and any needed medicine or medical devices for themselves or children.

Kayak Tour – All participants for a paddle tour must be 12-years-old or older. Participants under the age of 16 must ride in a tandem kayak with a parent or guardian over the age of 18. All participants are required to attend paddling safety training session before launch, and wear a PFD with a whistle attached to it. PFDs with attached whistles can be provided by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper at no extra charge.

Snowshoe/Hiking – Participants of all ages are welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Biking Tours– Participants of all ages are welcome. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants are required to wear a helmet. Helmets are not provided by Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper.

Event Policy

No alcohol, drug use, or smoking by any tour staff or participant is allowed during any tour. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Pets are not permitted on kayak tours. Certified service animals are permitted on other tours. Individual guests may be barred from participating in a tour at the discretion of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper staff.

Cancellation Policy

Kayak Tour – Will be cancelled if the combined air and water temperate is under 120 degrees Fahrenheit, winds are above 25 mph, 50% or greater chance of thunderstorms, when a Small Craft Advisory is in effect for Lakes Erie or Ontario, or cancelled/shortened at the discretion of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper staff.

All other tours will be canceled if there is a 50% or greater chance of thunderstorms or canceled/shortened at the discretion of Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper staff.